Related Articles

Grow juicy, red tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) in a small space by planting them in containers. You don't need large pots to enjoy an abundant crop of summer tomatoes. Many varieties can grow well in smaller 3-gallon pots with proper selection and care. Plant tomatoes in outdoor containers in early summer. They will produce from midsummer through fall.

Know the Tomato Types

The type of tomato plant determines the best size of pot. Indeterminate varieties, which can grow 6 feet or taller, don't perform well as container plants. The shorter, bushier determinate types grow best in 4- to 5-gallon pots, but they can produce adequately in a 3-gallon pot. The dwarf varieties, sometimes labeled as patio tomatoes, flourish in a 3-gallon pot and can survive in pots as small as 1 or 2 gallons.

Select the Right Pot

Select 3-gallon pots that are at least 10 inches deep with a diameter between 16 and 22 inches, while avoiding wider, shallower pots. The pot must provide bottom drainage holes so the soil doesn't become soggy, which causes root rot and can kill your tomato plants. You can fill the pot with any well-drained potting soil, although soilless mixes work best. Mixing 1 1/2 tablespoons of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 blend, into every 3 gallons of soil provides the initial nutrients for healthy tomato growth.

Provide Ongoing Care

Container-grown tomatoes require six hours or more of direct daily sun to thrive. Regular watering also increases plant health and production. Containers can dry quickly, so check the soil daily and water when the top 1 inch of soil begins to dry. Begin soluble fertilizer applications when the potted tomatoes begin fruiting. Mix 1 tablespoon of a 24-8-16 or similar blend with 1 gallon of water and water the tomatoes with the solution every one or two weeks.

Keep Plants Healthy

Frequent harvesting of the tomatoes as they ripen keeps the plant productive and prevents it from becoming too heavy for the smaller 3-gallon container. Dwarf and determinate plants don't require staking or pruning, although you can trim out broken or damaged branches. Disinfect shears and garden tools in a solution containing 1 part bleach and 9 parts water to prevent the spread of disease. Avoid overhead watering, which can lead to fungal diseases, and monitor the plants for aphids and hornworms. Remove larger pests, like hornworms, by hand. Rinse small pests, like aphids and mites, off the tomato plants with a sharp spray of water early in the day, which gives the leaves time to dry quickly under the warm sun.

About the Author

Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.